Wichita, KS (LifeNews.com) — The family of late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller has released a statement following his Sunday morning shooting death. Meanwhile, abortion advocates in central Kansas are planning a vigil this evening as they mourn his shooting death.

Dan Monnat and Lee Thompson, attorneys for the controversial abortion practitioner, released a statement to the press on behalf of Jeanne Tiller, his wife, and four children and ten grandchildren.

“Today we mourn the loss of our husband, father and grandfather. Today’s event is an unspeakable tragedy for all of us and for George’s friends and patients,” the Tiller family said. “This is particularly heart wrenching because George was shot down in his house of worship, a place of peace.”

“We would like to express the family’s thanks for the many messages of sympathy from our friends and from all across the nation. We also want to thank the law enforcement officers who are investigating this crime,” the statement continued.

The statement said the “loss” of Tiller was a loss “for the City of Wichita and women across America” because Tiller had “dedicated his life” to “providing women with high-quality” abortions.

“We ask that he be remembered as a good husband, father and grandfather and a dedicated servant on behalf of the rights of women everywhere,” it said.

Meanwhile, abortion advocates have planned a candlelight vigil for 8 p.m. today at Old Town Square in downtown Wichita to mourn Tiller’s death show support for him and oppose the shooting.

The Wichita Eagle newspaper indicates Dustin Deckard, a 20-year-old abortion backer, put together the vigil and says he hopes it will be “a quiet show of support for Dr. Tiller and a moment to remember his medical and political triumphs.”

“With the situation today, I think that what side people are on is the last thing we should be arguing about,” Deckard said. “The death of people’s loved one is more important today than any political alignment.”

Pro-life advocates have swiftly and thoroughly issued genuine condemnations of the shooting.